Australia and New Zealand, French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
9° 26′ S 159° 58′ E
Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia
Highlights





Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures from the Māori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomons, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions
Venture to the former penal colony of Norfolk Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the unusual trees called Norfolk Island pines
See the stunning limestone geology of New Caledonia at Isle of Pines and visit a cave filled with primitive tree ferns
Visit World War II sites from the Battle of Guadalcanal, including an optional dive on the wreck of the S.S. President Coolidge
See the traditional canoes of the people of Utupua and take a Zodiac ride along their mangrove-studded lagoon
Day by Day
Multiple routes available
Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.
2023 (Northbound)
Auckland, New Zealand
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Days 1-3
U.S. / Auckland, New Zealand
Depart the U.S. and arrive in Auckland on Day 3. Transfer to our hotel for check in and lunch, and relax this afternoon before a welcome briefing in the evening to meet your fellow travelers. Meals are on your own, except for lunch and dinner, which are included on Day 3.
Days 1-3
U.S. / Auckland, New ZealandDepart the U.S. and arrive in Auckland on Day 3. Transfer to our hotel for check in and lunch, and relax this afternoon before a welcome briefing in the evening to meet your fellow travelers. Meals are on your own, except for lunch and dinner, which are included on Day 3.
Day 4
Auckland / Embark Ship
Have breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of this vibrant city center. We stop for lunch midday before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Auckland / Embark ShipHave breakfast at the hotel before joining a tour of this vibrant city center. We stop for lunch midday before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is an area encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands, boasting an abundance of wildlife and fascinating history. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of immeasurable cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, and learn of the historical events for which these grounds are remembered.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Bay of IslandsThe Bay of Islands is an area encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands, boasting an abundance of wildlife and fascinating history. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a place of immeasurable cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, and learn of the historical events for which these grounds are remembered.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
At Sea
Spend today exploring New Zealand's East Coast. Your captain and Expedition Leader will decide whether to spend the day at sea, exploring places ashore, or doing a combination of both. Visit the Bridge to study our route on the navigational charts, and attend talks by our experts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
At SeaSpend today exploring New Zealand's East Coast. Your captain and Expedition Leader will decide whether to spend the day at sea, exploring places ashore, or doing a combination of both. Visit the Bridge to study our route on the navigational charts, and attend talks by our experts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Norfolk Island, Australia
Explore Norfolk Island, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774. Covered in dense forests of pines, it was initially valued as a ready source of shipbuilding lumber. Later, it became a British penal colony and then a settlement for Pitcairn Islanders, who themselves were descendants of the mutineers from the famous Bounty. Explore the ruins of the prison and enjoy walking around the main settlement at Burnt Pine. Later, take a long nature hike in Norfolk National Park to look for the endemic tree ferns and land birds. As we depart, look for large groups of seabirds alongside the dramatic island scenery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Norfolk Island, AustraliaExplore Norfolk Island, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774. Covered in dense forests of pines, it was initially valued as a ready source of shipbuilding lumber. Later, it became a British penal colony and then a settlement for Pitcairn Islanders, who themselves were descendants of the mutineers from the famous Bounty. Explore the ruins of the prison and enjoy walking around the main settlement at Burnt Pine. Later, take a long nature hike in Norfolk National Park to look for the endemic tree ferns and land birds. As we depart, look for large groups of seabirds alongside the dramatic island scenery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
At Sea
As we make our passage to Melanesia, enjoy life on board. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library, or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck. Learn about the area from our onboard historians, naturalists, and photographers, and savor delectable dining options.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
At SeaAs we make our passage to Melanesia, enjoy life on board. Unwind with a massage in the spa or a session in the fitness center, get lost in a book in the library, or simply soak up the views from the rooftop observation deck. Learn about the area from our onboard historians, naturalists, and photographers, and savor delectable dining options.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
Swim or snorkel in the beautiful Oro Natural Pool or walk through a beautiful rainforest to the site of the Cave of Queen Hortense, filled with limestone features and a variety of tropical vegetation. Alternatively, take a hike to the summit of N’Ga Peak to see incredible views over the island and the surrounding sea or join our naturalists for a birding walk through the dense canopy of the forest.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Isle of Pines, New CaledoniaSwim or snorkel in the beautiful Oro Natural Pool or walk through a beautiful rainforest to the site of the Cave of Queen Hortense, filled with limestone features and a variety of tropical vegetation. Alternatively, take a hike to the summit of N’Ga Peak to see incredible views over the island and the surrounding sea or join our naturalists for a birding walk through the dense canopy of the forest.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Port Vila / Lelepa, Vanuatu
Clear into Vanuatu at Port Vila. Later, go ashore at Lelepa to visit Vanuatu’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage site, the final residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata. Here, we’ll be welcomed with traditional songs and dance, and we'll enter the impressive Fels Cave.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Port Vila / Lelepa, VanuatuClear into Vanuatu at Port Vila. Later, go ashore at Lelepa to visit Vanuatu’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage site, the final residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata. Here, we’ll be welcomed with traditional songs and dance, and we'll enter the impressive Fels Cave.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Ambrym
Ambrym is known for its active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and mystery and magic. Arrive ashore to witness the striking Rom dance, traditionally a secret event. Involving incredible masks and elaborate outfits that represent spirits, this is a cultural experience specific only to this island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
AmbrymAmbrym is known for its active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and mystery and magic. Arrive ashore to witness the striking Rom dance, traditionally a secret event. Involving incredible masks and elaborate outfits that represent spirits, this is a cultural experience specific only to this island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Espiritu Santo
Captain James Cook named the islands of Vanuatu the New Hebrides because they reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland’s coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo, experience one of the best wreck dives in the world: the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise liner used as a troop carrier during World War II, or experience the Riri Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12
Espiritu SantoCaptain James Cook named the islands of Vanuatu the New Hebrides because they reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland’s coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo, experience one of the best wreck dives in the world: the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise liner used as a troop carrier during World War II, or experience the Riri Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Lo Island, Torres Group
Arrive to the small village of Lo Island by Zodiac, meandering along a beautiful mangrove lagoon. Meet the lovely villagers and experience some of the local kastom dances. Hike across the island to a cave and look for wildlife along the way. If conditions permit, snorkel along the beautiful fringing reef of the island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13
Lo Island, Torres GroupArrive to the small village of Lo Island by Zodiac, meandering along a beautiful mangrove lagoon. Meet the lovely villagers and experience some of the local kastom dances. Hike across the island to a cave and look for wildlife along the way. If conditions permit, snorkel along the beautiful fringing reef of the island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
Fenualoa, Solomon Islands
Visit Fenualoa, which is part of the Reef Islands in the northwestern province of Temotu. On shore we will be greeted by the local islanders and enjoy a tour of their village before snorkeling or swimming in the brilliant blue waters of the reef.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
Fenualoa, Solomon IslandsVisit Fenualoa, which is part of the Reef Islands in the northwestern province of Temotu. On shore we will be greeted by the local islanders and enjoy a tour of their village before snorkeling or swimming in the brilliant blue waters of the reef.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15
Utupua
Located in the Santa Cruz Island group, Utupua is a high volcanic island surrounded by a lagoon and a fringing coral reef. Zodiac to the village of Nimbau for a welcome song and dance performance. Enjoy a walk through the village with the locals and see a display of their handmade fishing canoes. Take a Zodiac ride along the shores, lined with dense mangroves and boasting a variety of wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15
UtupuaLocated in the Santa Cruz Island group, Utupua is a high volcanic island surrounded by a lagoon and a fringing coral reef. Zodiac to the village of Nimbau for a welcome song and dance performance. Enjoy a walk through the village with the locals and see a display of their handmade fishing canoes. Take a Zodiac ride along the shores, lined with dense mangroves and boasting a variety of wildlife.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16
Owaraha Island
On the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), we are greeted with a traditional dance performed by villagers in elaborate costumes, body paint, and masks. Walk across the small island to Nafinotoga to see Spirit Houses containing the skulls and bones of ancient chiefs of the Snake Clan and the Turtle Clan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16
Owaraha IslandOn the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), we are greeted with a traditional dance performed by villagers in elaborate costumes, body paint, and masks. Walk across the small island to Nafinotoga to see Spirit Houses containing the skulls and bones of ancient chiefs of the Snake Clan and the Turtle Clan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17
Honiara / Disembark Ship / Brisbane, Australia
Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic World War II battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–1943. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we overnight at a local hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 17
Honiara / Disembark Ship / Brisbane, AustraliaOur expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic World War II battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942–1943. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we overnight at a local hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18
Brisbane / Home
Depart this morning for your flight home, arriving the same day.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 18
Brisbane / HomeDepart this morning for your flight home, arriving the same day.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dates & Rates
Ships
National Geographic Orion
Guests
102
Cabins
53
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific and its surrounding regions
Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. With her high ice-class rating, National Geographic Orion is strong enough to explore the polar regions, yet her elevated maneuverability allows for navigation practically anywhere accessible by sea.
Book now and join us on an unforgettable journey
Make a reservation
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
Expedition Team
Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.
Special Offers
AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000
SOLO TRAVELER SAVINGS
20% OFF BACK-TO-BACK NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION VOYAGES
Take advantage of our additional offers
FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
BRINGING THE KIDS
Family fun!
TRAVELING AS A GROUP
COMBINING OFFERS
Combine now and save!
View our brochures for more details
Breathtaking photos and details on expeditions—view online or by mail for free
Following in the wake of Captain Cook, journey from New Zealand’s North Island to the Solomon Sea. Delve into a fascinating history of explorers, convicts, and traders, and learn about the rich cultures of the Māori and the Melanesians. Examine traditional carved houses and ancient caves and meet villagers on some of the most remote islands of the South Pacific. Along the way, don your snorkel and fins to discover incredible coral reefs and lagoons.
From
$15,610
/ per person
Does not include flights
AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000
View our brochures for more details
Breathtaking photos and details on expeditions—view online or by mail for free
Talk to an Expedition Specialist
+1.800.397.3348From
$15,610
/ per person
View our brochures for more details
Breathtaking photos and details on expeditions—view online or by mail for free
From
$15,610
/ per person
AIR INCLUDED UP TO $5,000
View our brochures for more details
Breathtaking photos and details on expeditions—view online or by mail for free